Expert Consensuses on IDA Screening and Management
Rather than treating research as an internal asset, Danone co-convenes expert consensus processes to translate scientific findings into shared clinical recommendations.
India
Iron Deficiency Anemia in Infancy—Pediatric Expert Opinions and Path Forward in Indian Context
Adarsh Somashekar, OP Mahansaria , Nitesh Kumar Agarwal, Ravishankar Ayathu Venkata, Samik Hazra, Shalini Bhasin, Sharat Menon, Vaneet Parmar, Preethi Rahul, Priya Karkera, Gunniah Setty Theegela
Abstract
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major global nutritional disorder and a persistent health burden in India. In infants, it can impair cognitive development, weaken immunity, and stunt growth. This study explored current approaches to screening and managing IDA in infants, emphasizing early diagnosis and intervention.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among pediatricians across India using a pretested, validated online questionnaire. Data analysis identified correlations influencing iron supplementation practices.
The main areas of discussion included:
• Critical role of iron in infant growth and development, key signs of IDA, causes of IDA, and associated risk factors.
• Current clinical practices related to IDA screening, diagnosis, and management.
• Iron supplementation, including the use of iron-fortified complementary foods, in preventing and treating IDA during infancy.
Among 413 pediatricians surveyed, 89.2% linked IDA in infants to poor iron-rich diets, and 85.9% to delayed complementary foods. Most pediatricians (69.2%) identified infants aged between 6 to 12 months as a high-risk group for IDA. A significant association was found between age group and the prescription of iron supplementation (p<0.001). Most experts preferred to prescribe iron supplementation starting at 4 or 6 months of age (46% and 41.9%, respectively). Based on the pediatricians’ opinions, preterm and low–birth-weight infants were likely to benefit from iron supplementation (86.9% and 89.1%, respectively).
The survey highlighted that infants aged 6 to 12 months are at high risk for IDA. Pediatricians favor bioavailable iron fortified nutrition solutions to address this critical need.
India and Southeast Asia
Iron Deficiency Anemia Screening and Management in Young Children: India and Southeast Asia Consensus
Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, Hamid Jan Jan Mohamed, Sri Wahyu Taher, Kim Ang, Lam Pechkethia, Suchaorn Saengnipanthkul, Ketkesone Phrasisombath, Alongkone Phengsavanh, Reeta Bora, Sunil Kumar Agarwalla
Abstract
Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) remains highly prevalent among children in India and many Southeast Asian countries. Experts in maternal and child health have developed a consensus on IDA in children. This consensus aims to improve awareness of IDA, provide recommendations on the screening and management of children at risk of IDA and offer insights into strategies to prevent IDA in children. The consensus was developed using the Delphi method, where eight primary expert members initially formulated questions on IDA screening and management based on a comprehensive literature review, followed by feedback and voting from 18 secondary expert members, achieving consensus with at least 70% agreement.
Twelve statements achieved consensus to provide guidance and recommendations on several key areas: the recommended age for initial and annual anaemia screening, the use of noninvasive hemoglobin measurement devices for screening, further evaluations to rule out thalassaemia and IDA in children with anaemia and preventative measures to reduce the risk of IDA. The experts agreed that early detection of anaemia is crucial to mitigate related health consequences in children. It is recommended that all children undergo their first screening for anaemia between the ages 9 and 12 months, followed by annual screenings from the ages 1 to 5 years.
In addition, the experts emphasised the importance of nutritional intervention, particularly the fortification of food and milk, to assist in reducing the risk of childhood IDA. By integrating relevant recommendations based on current clinical data and best practices, these consensus statements serve to guide screening, treatment and prevention of IDA among children.